Oppose a Repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has protected free speech online for decades, but now there is a bipartisan effort in Congress to force Section 230 to expire on January 1, 2027. Without this clause, platforms can be held legally responsible for user-generated content. At risk are forums like Discord and Reddit, the user comments sections on news websites and blogs, product reviews on business pages, and social media platforms.

There is also no bipartisan understanding or agreement as to how to protect civil liberties without Section 230. Instead, sponsors of the repeal effort suggest that providing a deadline will pressure Big Tech to “come to the table” to suggest alternative legislation. But Big Tech—with the biggest pockets to absorb costs of increased litigation—will be the least impacted. It is everyday people engaging in online community spaces who are at risk of being silenced, and the new and small-to-medium sized platforms who are at risk of failure. Congress must take responsibility for protecting free speech online and hold back its attack on the existing legislation that is foundational to the free internet.

Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are working on a bill to repeal Section 230. Call your Representatives and tell them that any legislation that repeal this internet protection is unacceptable.